Gary Simpson admits he is short of cover in his squad, should the Silkmen’s injury list grow further.

The spine of the team is currently decimated by injury with Paul Morgan, Hamza Bencherif, Ross Draper and Ricky Sappleton all at various stages of recovery.

Simpson has been looking at a number of trial players during Macc’s pre-season programme but has yet to decide whether to take on any of the lads chasing a contract.

But with just a handful of matches left before the season opener at Stevenage Borough, the Macc boss’s hand – and funds – could soon be forced to bring in more recruits to cover in vital areas.

"My priorities are to get some cover in goal and for our full-backs, particularly on the left," said Simpson ahead of Tuesday night’s friendly at Newcastle Town.

"I’d also like to try and get a wide man in, but then we’re short on central defenders with Morgs about four weeks away from playing.

"And then, we don’t have Ricky Sappleton fit, so do we need to bring in another striker?"

It’s certainly a tricky time for Simpson ahead of his first full season at the helm. And as Huddersfield Town have elected not to follow up their interest in John Rooney, the youngster may yet return to the Moss Rose to take up the contract offered to him at the close of the last campaign.

"John has made his intention to play at a higher level clear," added ‘Simmo.’ He’s made it plain he wants to leave and we’d have to sit down and talk if he wanted to come back.

"I’d have to have a re-think about the little money left in the budget that I’ve been keeping back."